Flow-distributing device



Jan. 19, 1965 H. B. CANNON FLOW-DISTRIBUTING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 15, 1960 INVENTOR Hamil} B. Cannon BY M4565 ATTORNEYf) Jan. 19, 1965 H. B. CANNON FLOW-DISTRIBUTING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 15, 1960 7///////////////% 0 m k a a w n z A w 0 v INVENTOR H aF ZyB. C muwm 3,166,087 FLOW-DISTRIBUTING DEVICE Harry B. Cannon, R0. Box 2432, Lakeland, Fla. Filed July 1 5, 196i), Ser. No. 43,233

11 Claims. (Cl. 137 262) This invention relates to a device for distributing flow from a single inlet to a number of outlets and more particularly relates to such a device for distributing a flow of slurry. v

In processing a liquid slurry incorporating abrasive particlcs. it is often necessary to distribute the slurry flowing from a single outlet into a number of eifiuent streams. Such ajneed for distribution often occurs in apparatus for separating a slurry including mixtures of different particles into its constituent components, as for example, described in U.S. Letters Patent 2,902,154 issued to this same inventor. In that patent a circular trough distributes a slurry fed from a spoke-like array of inlet pipes to a similar disposed arrayof a larger number of troughs. s

An object of this invention is to provide a simple and economical and efiicient structure for aflow-distributing device through which the flow is subject to visual surveillance and clearance without interrupting operation.

Another object is to provide such a structure which is simply and economically installed and assembled upon a slurry-separating apparatus.

In accordance with this invention a highly effective flow-distributing device incorporates an uncovered receptacle made of wear-resistant material. A supply pipe is inserted into one side of this receptacle and a number of outlet conduits discharge from it. A splash-suppressing structure mounted within the receptacle in line with the flow from the supply pipe prevents splashing through the open top of the receptacle which facilitates visual surveillance and clearing without interruption of service. A remarkably effective form of such splash-suppressing means includes a number of spaced ribs which may be horizontally oriented and inversely stepped.

Novel features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from a reading of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts and in which:

FIG. 1 isa plan-view of a'slurry-separating apparatus incorporating one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in elevation-partially in cross section of the apparatus shown in'FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the flow distributing receptacle shown in FIGS. 1' and2; e W

FIG. 4 is a view-in elevation-partially broken away of the receptacle shown in FIG; 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken through FIG. 4 along the line 55;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a view in elevation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken through FIG. 7 along the line 88.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown a separating apparatus 10 which is generally similar to the apparatus shown in US. Letters Patent 2,902,154 issued to the same inventor. This apparatus is used for separating a slurry incorporating granular mixtures into its constituent components, and the slurry stored in tank 12 is accordingly distributed through a spoke-like array of supply pipes or conduits 14 and distributing device 16 to a spoke-like array of a larger number of troughs 18, which in turn feed an inwardly directed array of separating convergent troughs 20. This present invention resides in a structure for and means of supporting flow-distributing elements 16, which differ from the circular. trough shown in the aforementioned patent for performing a similar function. However, other portions of separating apparatus 10 are generally similar to that shown in the aforementioned patent, and are therefore not described herein in detail.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5 which illustrate details of receptacle 16 in conjunction'with'FIGS. 1 and 2, it is apparent that receptacles 16 are uncovered to have open) tops 21 for facilitating visual surveillance and clearance without interruption of service. Receptacles 16 are gen-.

erally rectangular in cross section, and inlet pipes 14 extend through slots 22 in one of their longer sides. These receptacles are made, for example, ofv a somewhat flexible wear-resistant material such as rubber; "and this'makes the relatively; thin internal flange 24 left within slots 22 elastic enough to snugly embrace the sides of supply pipe 14 to form an effective seal about it. Where the liquid slurry being handled incorporates oils or similar: corrosive agents receptacles 16 may be made of an oil resistant rubher such as neopreneq Furthermore, these receptacles may be made of a wide variety of materials to suitably resist deterioration by the type of liquid or slurrybeing handled. V 1

Each receptacle 16 also includes a pair of outlet openings 26 which are for example formed in their bottoms. The lower portion 28 of the inner walls of receptacles 16 slopes towards the conical entrances3t to outlets 26 to help prevent clogging.

A splash-suppressing means tacles '16 in line with the flow from supply pipes 14 which includes, for example, a number of horizontal spaced ribs 34. These ribs are approximately twice as long as the effective diameter of the inlet conduit, and project at unequal distances" with the upper rib extending almost to the center of the receptacle, 'andthe lower rib of the three illustrated extending only a slight distance into the.

receptacle. These ribsmay, therefore,'be considered inversely stepped. "The spaces 36 between ribs 34 are for example substantially equal to the thickness of ribs 34,

-however, these ribs may be made muchthinner than thoseillustrated and still perform effectively as long as they substantially cover the stream of flow discharging from inlet pipe 14.v Flow-suppressing element 32-is for example replaceably mounted within wall 38 by insertion 1 of its dove-tailed wall 40 within a corresponding dove tailed slot 42 cut within receptacle wall 38. Splash suppressor 32 may .therefore'be easily replaced when this.

becomes necessary due to wear or damage.

A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 receptacles 16 are mounted 1; upon apparatus 10 by resting their lower slopedsur'face's. 44 upon the sloped upper surfaces 46 of troughs 18." Furthermore, receptacles 16 are anchored to a circularring 48 which is secured to strips 50 extendingbetween angular rings 52 and the upper inwardly turned edge 54 surrounding the outer ends of convergent separating troughs 20. Ring 48 is accordingly secured to strips 50 by vertical bars 56 which are provided in sufficient number to adequately support ring 48. Additional security is provided by attaching open loops 58 which surround receptacles 16 to ring 48 by looping their hooked ends 60 about them. Loops'58 are for example made of a substantially rigid material such as strip steel or brass which is formed as indicated to encompass receptacles 16 and be hooked about ring 48.

In FIGS. 6-8 is shown another form of receptacle designated 16A which incorporate a pair of outlets 26A in its side walls 62A instead of its bottom. Outlets 26A incorporate-tubular sleeves 64A made together with the rest of receptacle'16A, for example, of a resilient material such as neoprene to permit them to snugly embrace and seal about the ends of discharge tubes 66A inserted with- Patented Jap.19, 1965 32 is mounted within recepin tubular sleeves'64A. Flow-chstributing receptac1es 16A are inmost other respects'similar to flow-distributing receptacles 16, and in these common aspects will not be specifically described. However, the bottom wall 68A of receptacle 16A is flat which eliminates. the sloped entrancesto outlets 26 of receptacle 1 6.

Receptacles 16 and 16A both permit constant visual surveillance of the flow through them through their uncovered tops 21, and 31A. Splash-suppressing elements 32 and 32A are bothamazingefiective in preventing undue splashing despite the proximity 'ofthese elements to Ribs 34A might bemade thinner than these opentops. 7 V v V those shown and still be'operative; Howvergany th1n-. ning in section decreases their wear-resistance which is highly important in distributing: a slurry. incorporating highly abrasive particles. Furthermore, the ability of receptacles 16 to operate without unduly splashing'of slurry out ofthem permitsthem tobe'cleared as well as closely watched .without interruption of service which is highly important in handling a slurry. which is susceptible to blockages in flow. i

What is claimed is: i l. A flow-distiibuting device comprising one side of said receptacle including an opening for inserting an'inlet conduit into-said receptacle, a number of outlet conduits upon said receptaclepa' splash-suppressing means mounted upon a side'of said. receptacle opposite said side through whichsaid inlet conduit extends, said. splash-suppressing means; comprising: a plurality of sub-.

stantially parallel spaced ribs having sides and relatively substantially directly oppositesaid inlet'opening toward the interior, of. said receptacle, and saidsidesof said ribs being disposed substantially in line with the path of the.

flow discharged from said inlet conduit wherebyisaid flow from said inlet conduit impinges'upon said edges'of said ribs inthe interior of said.receptacle and enters-in between said sides of said ribs, to suppress splashing of.

said flow through said uncovered top 'which.,facilitates visual surveillance, i

p a receptacle made of'we'ar-resistant material having an uncovered top,

wherein a pair of said outlet conduits are formed in the bottom wall of said receptacle.

6. A flow-distributing device as set forth in claim 5 V wherein said bottom wall .is sloped to guide the flow wherein said bottom wall incorporates conical entrances.

internal flange made of resilient material which fits closely about said inlet conduit to'sealit- Within said, side.

IOJA flow-distributing structure for distributing slurryfroma number of'supply conduits to, a greater number of sloping troughs comprising receptacles having uncovered top's, said-receptacles straddling over saidtroughs, each of said receptacles straddling over' at'least two of said troughs, one wall of each of said receptacles including anopening through which one of said inlet conduits extends, outlet conduits formed in the bottoms of. saidreceptacles over each of said troughs, and a splash-suppressing element mounted within said receptacles in the line of'fiow' of said slurrydischarged from said'inlet conduits, said, splash-suppressing means comprising spaced 1 ribs mounted upon'the side'of said receptacles opposite shorter edges-extending from said side of'saidreceptaclesaid opening extending across the path of flow discharged from said inlet conduits, said troughs and said inlet conduits being disposed in a spoke-like-array, saidreceptacles each including'apair of outlet conduits, a supporting ring mounted over said troughs; the bottoms of said recep- 2. A flow-distributing. device as set forth in; claim .1 4

wherein said spaced ribs are.hor izontally;oriented, and inversely stepped. V

3. A flow-distributing device as set forthin claim 2 wherein said inlet 'openingis arcuate, said ribs being approximately twice as longastheeffective-diameter of the said inlet conduit insaidarcuate opening with thespaces,

between said ribsbeing substantially equal-to the-thickness' of said ribs.

4. A flow-distributing device asse'tforth in claim 2 wherein said ribs are formedupon a. removable insert,

and detachable. meansrare providedv for securing said insertto'said side for facilitating .the.replacement of said ribs.

5;.Aflow-distribufihg d vice assetforth in claim 1,

tacles being sloped to correspond with the slope of .the

upper surfaces of said troughs for supporting said receptacles in an upright position above said troughs, and brackets attaching said receptacles .to said ring for securing them. in position.

11. A flow-distributing element as setv forth in claim 9 10 wherein said brackets comprise open loops of substantially. rigid material which encompass; three sides of said receptacles, and the ends of said open loops being hooked about said, ring, A References'Cited inthe file of this patent 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS" 1,208,373.

Rhodes Dec. 12, 1916 1,839,430 Weber Jan. 5, 1932 2,582,523 Beglinger- Jan. 15, 1952' 2,821,154. Tennison. Jan. 28, .1958

2,934,088 'Chace Apr. 26; 1960 2,938,627 Hobart ..jMa3 31, 1960 

1. A FLOW DISTRIBUTING DEVICE COMPRISING A RECEPTACLE MADE OF WEAR-RESISTANT MATERIAL HAVING AN UNCOVERED TOP, ONE SIDE OF SAID RECEPTACLE INCLUDING AN OPENING FOR INSERTING AN INLET CONDUIT INTO SAID RECEPTACLE, A NUMBER OF OUTLET CONDUITS UPON SAID RECEPTACLE, A SPLASH-SUPPRESSING MEANS MOUNTED UPON A SIDE OF SAID RECEPTACLE OPPOSITE SAID SIDE THROUGH WHICH SAID INLET CONDUIT EXTENDS, SAID SPLASH-SUPPRESSING MEANS COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL SPACED RIBS HAVING SIDES AND RELATIVELY SHORTER EDGES EXTENDING FROM SAID SIDE OF SAID RECEPTACLE SUBSTANTIALLY DIRECTLY OPPOSITE SAID INLET OPENING TOWARD THE INTERIOR OF SAID RECEPTACLE, AND SAID SIDES OF SAID RIBS BEING DISPOSED SUBSTANTIALLY IN LINE WITH THE PATH OF THE FLOW DISCHARGED FROM SAID INLET CONDUIT WHEREBY SAID FLOW FROM SAID INLET CONDUIT IMPINGES UPON SAID EDGES OF SAID RIBS IN THE INTERIOR OF SAID RECEPTACLE AND ENTERS IN BETWEEN SAID SIDES OF SAID RIBS TO SUPPRESS SPLASHING OF SAID FLOW THROUGH SAID UNCOVERED TOP WHICH FACILITATES VISUAL SURVEILLANCE. 